Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-25 at 18:02

HEADLINES
Iranian civilians endure Israeli bombardment
Congress greenlights Iran ground operation
Houthis mobilize as Red Sea shipping threatened

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, an inside view from Iran describes life under what is described as an Israeli attack, with residents adapting to regular disruptions and bombardment as the conflict continues.

In Iranian Retaliation, the last Iranian launch today was at 16:12 headed toward Eilat. Across the day, only two air-raid alarms were activated in the central region, and the most recent alarm was twelve hours earlier.

In US Military Role, reports from Fox News say Congress has authorized the start of a ground operation against Iran. After a classified briefing, three Republican senators, two of them chairs, signaled that a ground operation is planned and could begin soon. Separately, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper provided an update: more than 10,000 Iranian targets have been attacked since the start of the campaign, with 92% of the Iranian Navy's largest vessels destroyed. The rate of Iranian missile and drone attacks has fallen by roughly 90%. More than two-thirds of missile, drone, and naval production facilities and shipyards have been damaged or destroyed. The United States has logged more than 10,000 combat sorties and deployed long-range bombers like the B-52s for strikes on Iran's interior. Cooper stressed that the operation is not finished and highlighted collaboration with Israel as part of the broader effort.

In Regional Impacts, UAE ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba argued in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that the war must end with a decisive outcome that addresses Tehran's threat. Gulf states have stepped up public warnings about Iranian attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. Reuters cited Gulf representatives saying Iranian missile and drone attacks pose an existential threat, with Kuwait and the UAE adding that Tehran seeks to destabilize the international order through terror and expansionism.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran threatens the Red Sea shipping route as the Houthis mobilize in Yemen. In another vein, some observers are analyzing whether Israel is prepared for a long-term occupation of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, weighing options from prolonged control to temporary pressure against Hezbollah. Additionally, Reuters reported that Tehran has told mediators to delay any deal that does not include compensation from Israel to Hezbollah.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Israeli officials say a US-Iran deal remains unlikely, but fear President Trump could declare a temporary ceasefire to demonstrate progress. The Jerusalem Post quotes an Israeli official saying that the positions of Tehran and Washington make a deal unlikely, though Trump could surprise. White House briefings emphasize that Trump seeks peace and that the campaign is nearing core objectives, with warnings that Iran should not miscalculate; officials say the war is expected to finish within a 4 to 6 week window. The briefing also notes Trump’s plans around meetings with foreign leaders and the administration’s stance on achieving victory.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Barak Rabid reports that Netanyahu proposed to Trump last week a call to the Iranians for a joint appeal encouraging Iranians to protest, a move that drew comments from Trump describing the regime in stark terms.

In Uplifting News, Tel Aviv during the war with Iran shows Israelis choosing life even under missile attacks, a reflection of a strong Jewish value and resilience captured in photographs from the city.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
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